What makes Spiral by Hiromi Uehara notable?

Upon its release, 'Spiral' received critical acclaim for its boundary-pushing approach to jazz, solidifying Hiromi's reputation as a pioneering artist in the genre. It has since influenced many contemporary jazz musicians and is frequently cited in discussions about avant-garde jazz and fusion. In 2006, Hiromi Uehara was establishing herself as a prominent voice in contemporary jazz, following her acclaimed debut album 'Another Mind' from 2003. 'Spiral' represents her second studio album, showcasing her virtuosic piano skills and innovative compositions, marking a significant step in her evolving artistic journey.

Spiral works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long immersive listening sessions and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on Spiral?

Spiral has 8 tracks, running approximately 65 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Spiral

Hiromi Uehara · 2006

65 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A dynamic interplay of intricate melodies and rhythmic exploration that defies conventional jazz boundaries.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Spiral — The opening track sets the tone with its complex structure and energetic piano riffs, effectively encapsulating Hiromi's unique blend of technical prowess and emotional expression.
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Music for Three-Piece-Orchestra: Déjà vu — This piece showcases an intricate dialogue between instruments, highlighting Hiromi's ability to weave together different musical voices into a cohesive tapestry.
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Old Castle, by the River, in the Middle of the Forest — This track exemplifies Hiromi's storytelling through music, creating vivid imagery through its melodic lines and harmonic shifts, demonstrating her compositional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

Hiromi's intricate compositions and virtuosic execution create a distinctive jazz experience that rewards multiple listens.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate classical elements, such as the orchestral interludes in 'Music for Three-Piece-Orchestra', blending genres fluidly.
The final track, 'Return of Kung-Fu World Champion', showcases an extended improvisational section that builds tension before a sudden resolution.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic emotional journeys
long immersive listening sessions
gradual builds and payoffs
atmospheric background focus

Where this album fits

Career context: In 2006, Hiromi Uehara was establishing herself as a prominent voice in contemporary jazz, following her acclaimed debut album 'Another Mind' from 2003. 'Spiral' represents her second studio album, showcasing her virtuosic piano skills and innovative compositions, marking a significant step in her evolving artistic journey.
Stylistic neighbors: Tigran Hamasyan· Robert Glasper· Brad Mehldau